The presenter will share an innovative model that empowers student experience coordinators to create self-sustaining, inclusive, and equitable activities across five key pillars: Arts and Culture, Athletics, Student Groups, Esports, and Social Impact. Serving over 60,000 students in a multicampus university, this model has tripled the student affairs budget, significantly boosting engagement and improving retention rates. Attendees will learn how to apply this adaptable and data-driven approach to maximize impact in their own institutions. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Apply a data-driven decision-making tool to optimize student affairs budgets, ensuring equitable and sustainable program delivery across diverse campuses 

2. Observe a live demonstration of the decision-making tool and receive a customizable template, equipping them to implement and adapt the model within their own university settings 

3. Synthesize strategies from the five-pillar model to create inclusive and engaging student activities, increasing retention and student satisfaction

Fernando Lopez Gonzalez, Student Affairs Director

In this session, presenters will share essential fundraising skills to empower student affairs professionals regardless of their prior experience. Drawing on simple, relatable principles learned in kindergarten, such as clear communication, relationship building, and expressing gratitude, participants will learn practical strategies to engage donors and secure resources for their programs. Whether you're new to fundraising or looking to refresh your approach, this toolkit is your guide to success to confidently support your program's financial goals. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Recognize the need for fundraising within student affairs and understand how to strengthen the relationship between university advancement and student affairs 

2. Identify and apply fundamental principles of the fundraising process using simple, relatable concepts that are easy to understand and implement 

3. Employ the use of a toolkit of actionable strategies, formalizing the role of fundraising within student affairs and making fundraising a more approachable and less intimidating task

Christy Rogers, Professional Affiliate

Robin Zimmern, Executive Director of Alumni and Development

Overcoming budget shortfalls within student affairs presents a unique challenge, as well as an opportunity for innovation and growth. By creating new revenue opportunities, student affairs divisions can not only sustain but also enhance their programs and services. The presenters will share a range of successful revenue generating opportunies that can be replicated at both public and private institutions. Attendees will gain strategies and tips that will assist them in building more financial sustainibility within their student affairs operations. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify revenue-generating strategies that can be tailored to their specific institutional context. 

2. Give examples of innovative approaches to overcoming financial challenges in student affairs 

Brad Kovaleski, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students

Curtis Hoover, Associate Dean for Student Services and Engagement

When we imagine a day in the life of a thriving student affairs professional, images of fiscal management may not be the first spring to mind. However, for today’s AVP, a keen understanding of “all things budget” is critical for a professional to be an effective divisional leader and colleague. This panel brings together a variety of institutional types and issues and aims to assist attendees in considering how they can improve their practice as experts in division financial planning and advocacy and be effective role models for their campus. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Craft a basic outline framework of responsibilities unique to the AVP role for division fiscal management 

2. Identify and explore challenges and obstacles for developing confidence and competency in financial planning, budget models and building partnerships with campus colleagues related to fiscal matters. 

3. Determine aspects of departmental culture that can be improved by practices that encourage fiscal competency development throughout the organization

Alicia Erwin, Assistant Vice President for Student Life, Strategic Operations

Alicia Martinez Newell, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs

Carrie Lovelace Petr, PhD, PCC, BCC, CEO, Carrie Lovelace Petr Coaching & Consulting, LLC

Neil Jamerson, Assistant Dean for Community Standards & Student Support

Home@Mizzou significantly improves student retention and success by providing secure housing and tailored support services for student housing needs. Attendees will learn about the program's structure, funding model, outcomes, and the importance of on- and off-campus collaboration. The presenters will also share insights and strategies for replicating the program's success at other institutions. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Identify the unique challenges faced by housing-insecure students in higher education

2. Analyze the effectiveness of collaborative approaches to student support services

3. Develop actionable strategies for implementing similar housing support programs on other campuses

Lori Fox, Assistant Dean of Students

Ashli Grabau, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Assessment

Morgan Myers, Assistant Director of Residential Life- Student Care & Community Standards

Tyler Page, Residential Life

Haley Hamblin-Dold, Basic Needs Coordinator

Colleges face increasing demand for mental health support amid financial constraints. During this session, we will share a strategic approach to collaboration between student affairs and advancement teams to secure funding for mental health initiatives. We will explore effective fundraising methods, including partnerships with parents, alumni, and external stakeholders. We will cover best practices for cultivating relationships, articulating the value of mental health programs, and ensuring sustainable funding without adding financial burdens. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Develop strategies to effectively promote mental health initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of diverse student groups

2. Identify areas for expansion and enhancement within their counseling services to better support the needs of students

3. Apply effective storytelling techniques to convey the impact of mental health and wellness initiatives, fostering emotional connections with donors and inspiring them to invest in the cause

Laurel Donley, Vice Provost of Student Affairs